The residents of Silver Oak Co-operative Housing Society in Hiranandani, Powai have reached a breaking point, launching a formal multi-agency complaint to address the rampant unauthorized parking and traffic congestion paralyzing their society’s entrance. In a strongly worded letter dated April 6, 2026, the society’s managing committee signalled an urgent plea for intervention to local authorities, including the Powai/Sakinaka Traffic Division, the Senior Police Inspector of Powai Police Station, local MLA, Corporator and transport departments of SM Shetty School and Hiranandani Foundation School.
The grievance centers on a persistent and growing issue: the illegal parking of large school buses and private vehicles along the main road directly outside the society premises. According to the residents, this ‘Unauthorized Parking’ has effectively choked the entrance and exit points of the society, creating a daily gauntlet for those living within. The committee notes that these vehicles not only obstruct the flow of traffic but significantly reduce visibility for drivers and pedestrians alike, turning a residential gateway into a high-risk zone for accidents.
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The stakes are particularly high for the most vulnerable members of the community. Silver Oak is home to a significant population of senior citizens and school-going children. The letter highlights the “great difficulty” guardians and students face during peak school hours when the road becomes nearly impassable. Residents argue that the current state of the road creates an “unsafe environment” that could lead to an “unfortunate incident” if left unaddressed.
Beyond the daily commute, the society has raised alarms regarding emergency preparedness. The heavy obstruction outside the gates poses a “serious risk” to life and property, as it would likely impede the entry of ambulances or fire brigade vehicles during a crisis. Given the proximity to the Vikhroli Fire Station, the delay caused by a blocked road could mean the difference between life and death.
The complaint has been strategically escalated to a wide array of stakeholders, including MLA Dilip Lande and Corporator Chandan Sharma. Furthermore, the society has directly addressed the transport departments of neighbouring educational giants, Bunts Sangha’s SM Shetty Education Institutions and Hiranandani Foundation School, suggesting that school-related transport may be contributing to the gridlock.
To resolve the crisis, the Silver Oak managing committee is demanding:
- Immediate strict action and towing of illegally parked vehicles.
- Regular patrolling by traffic police to deter repeat offenders.
- The installation of permanent “No Parking” sign boards.
- The designation of a “clear access zone” to ensure the safety of pedestrians and emergency services.
As of now, the residents are waiting for a formal response. “We request you to treat this matter as urgent and important in the interest of public safety,” the committee stated, hoping that the authorities will finally provide a “permanent solution” to a problem that has left them feeling like prisoners in their own homes.
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